Friday, May 9, 2025

Taste Korea’s Finest: Paldo’s Casual Fine Dining Arrives at SM Podium



Manila just got a taste of royalty with the arrival of Paldo, the first Korean fine dining restaurant in the Philippines, now open at SM Podium. Known for its curated mix of premium dining and experimental concepts, SM Podium is the perfect setting for Paldo’s fresh yet traditional take on Korean cuisine. Owned and brought to life by Ryan Bang, the restaurant delivers a dining experience that’s both casual and refined.



Paldo, which means “eight provinces,” takes its patrons on a journey across South Korea through dishes that represent the country’s rich and diverse food culture. From bold southern flavors to delicate northern specialties, the restaurant brings the heart of Korea to Manila.



At Paldo, the goal is simple: to show Filipinos how kings and queens of Korea once dined, without making it feel intimidating or out of reach. Here, fine dining is made casual and affordable, while still holding on to the elegance and authenticity of royal Korean meals.



Experience the perfect mix of tradition and culinary creativity, where every dish celebrates the finest of Korean cuisine by bringing out its rich flavors and textures. 



One of Paldo's must-tries is Surasang, also known as the “King’s Meal”—a traditional full-course spread once served to royals and aristocrats during the Joseon dynasty. It features an impressive variety of mains and sides, including Doenjang Jjigae (soybean stew), Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), Braised Back Ribs, Royal Modeum Jeon (Korean-style savory pancakes), and Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles). 



For something more curated, try Chef Sam Kim’s Signature Set—a thoughtfully selected lineup of traditional Korean dishes elevated with modern flair. The set includes Briquettes Bulgogi, marinated pork grilled over charcoal, and Doenjang Jjigae, a rich soybean stew with snails, tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables.


Both sets are served with a variety of carefully prepared side dishes, each chosen to round out the meal and bring out the essence of Korean flavors.



Paldo also offers a range of drinks that perfectly suit the bold flavors of each meal, making every bite even more satisfying.



Complementing the food is Paldo’s warm and elegant interior, with wood accents and earth tones that transport diners straight to the heart of a traditional Korean setting—perfect for both casual lunches and special dinners. It’s a great fit for SM Podium, offering a unique and elevated dining experience in one of the city’s top lifestyle destinations.


Visit Paldo at the 5th level of SM Podium and enjoy a unique Korean fine dining concept. Whether you’re gathering for a special meal or simply treating yourself, Paldo brings the rich flavors and traditions of Korea to the heart of the city. There’s always more to enjoy and more to share at SM, for more exclusive dining experiences and first-to-market brands, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.


What’s New at SM Supermalls?


Find Fresh Favorites in Metro Manila


In life, there is always more to be had. New possibilities to explore, new experiences to enjoy, new discoveries to love!—the best of living is always right around the corner.

With SM Supermalls, you no longer have to go far and wide to seek out those experiences. From brands you’ve been itching to try to those you’re yet to discover, SM Supermalls connects you to an excitingly fresh new era of firsts—right here in Metro Manila.

Comforting Treats & Game-day Gears at SM Mall of Asia (MOA)


Power up your active lifestyle with these hot new finds:


  • Salomon—legacy outdoor gear and performance footwear perfect for your active hobbies. Enjoy shopping for premium, high-performance equipment at Salomon’s biggest store yet, here in the Philippines.

  • Wilson—bring your A-game to tennis with their first-in-PH store for professional-grade gear and sportswear. 


Soon, experience quality comfort with some tea and locally made bread and pastries with Kiji Bakehouse and Chicha San Chen:


  • Kiji Bakehouse—experience their first-in-SM homegrown bakery goodness, offering a variety of pastries inspired by European and Japanese flavors.

  • Chicha San Chen—take a sip of freshly brewed, authentic Taiwanese tea crafted using specialized techniques through a patented Teapresso machine.





Feel-good Indulgences at SM North EDSA

Enjoy a guilt-free cheat day with this freshly opened sweet treat spot. TangFruits offers a Korean take on the popular tanghulu fruit snack featuring 80% less sugar, perfect for health-conscious foodies with a sweet tooth.

Check out these upcoming stores perfect for your coffee cravings, culinary adventure and skin-care goals:

  • Craft Coffee Revolution—specialty café serving artisanal brews in a cozy ambiance, perfect for both coffee lovers and casual drinkers. 

  • Lan Hot Pot—space-themed hot pot buffet experience culinary adventurers can look forward to.

  • SkinGoals—looking for some rejuvenation? Experience their multi-awarded beauty and wellness services.



Heartfelt Meals at SM Podium


Craving for more? Look forward to these firsts in SM, soon-to-open stores perfect for both healthy eaters and casual food enjoyers:


  • HeyBo—Singaporean meals dedicated to serving healthy and enjoyable grain bowls, complete with a well-balanced combination of grains, proteins, vegetables, and sauces. 

  • Aurora—a contemporary take on bold and familiar Asian dishes, perfect for sharing. Ideal for families and friend groups craving international flavors.



Beauty, Cosmetics & Fresh New Fragrances at SM Aura


Starting a new era is never complete without some self-indulging care. LOOK At Me delights glow-getters with fresh new sections dedicated to two highly coveted brands in perfume, skincare, and cosmetics:

  • YSL Beauty—revolutionary, couture-inspired beauty essentials, redefining glamour and inspiring bold self-expression.

  • Lancôme—sustainably innovative skincare and fragrances, crafted to celebrate effortless elegance in its most radiant form.




Health & All-rounded Wellness at S Maison


Have a taste of these upcoming firsts in SM—top-tier flavors to satisfy your cravings, anytime of the day: 


  • Lartizan—enjoy an exquisite taste of Europe with these French-inspired premium meals, crafted using the finest ingredients and traditional techniques.

  • Brunch Bureau—late for breakfast and too early for lunch? Brunch Bureau has your back with hearty servings of comforting food favorites, perfect for mid-day enjoyment.


Level up your A-game for a healthier, more vibrant you with BioVitalis and its first-in-PH store, offering curated selections of wellness essentials for your health and lifestyle agenda.


You’ll never run out of things to appreciate and love here at SM Supermalls—delivering store after store, each offering limitless possibilities.

Experience quality enjoyment here in Metro Manila—only at SM Supermalls, bringing you a #NewEraOfFirsts.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!



What’s new at SM Supermalls? Rediscover every day with the ultimate home to many firsts


Home is comfortable. But with nothing new to try and experience, home can feel ordinary. With SM Supermalls, your everyday life never gets dull! From first-in-the-Philippines dining experiences to new and excitingly fresh shopping destinations, SM Supermalls elevates your everyday adventure by bringing local excellence and world-class sensations closer to you. Whether you’re craving to try out international flavors, aiming to discover rising local gems, or wanting to immerse yourself in cutting-edge lifestyle trends—SM Supermalls is your ultimate home to many exciting firsts.




Home to Authentic Italian Flavors


The finest flavors of Italy are now closer than ever! Rossopomodoro debuts its renowned Neapolitan pizza with its signature charred crust, creamy mozzarella, and San Marzano tomatoes as it opens its first-ever home in Asia at SM Mall of Asia (MOA). Meanwhile, Osteria Antica opens its doors at Level 6, Podium Social – SM Podium, serving authentic Italian dishes crafted with time-honored techniques, set against an equally breathtaking backdrop of interiors. 



Home to Korean and Taiwanese Cuisines

Welcome the richness of East Asian culinary innovations with these exciting new dining destinations. Du Hsiao Yueh headlines its time-honored techniques with its heritage Tainan-style Dan Zai noodles, while Maple Tree House serves popular Korean meals featuring premium grilled BBQ, both located at SM MOA. At SM Podium, Paldo offers an authentic Korean fine dining experience, specially curated by a masterful chef from Korea. Lugang Café, renowned for its authentic Taiwanese cuisine and exceptional dining experience, is excited to announce the grand opening of its first-ever branch in SM Seaside City Cebu. Cebuano diners can now savor the celebrated flavors such as Three-Cup Chicken, Steamed Xiao Long Bao and Crispy Chicken that have made Lugang Café a beloved name. Meanwhile, Leo Pizza at SM City Fairview redefines comfort food with its unique K-style pizza rendition.







Home to World-class Food Sensations


In SM Aura, the obsession for food just got more exciting with Philippines’ freshly launched, first-ever Burger & Lobster, bringing London's iconic surf-and-turf duo to local food lovers. 















Home to Newly Launched Classic Favorites

In SM City Lipa, Subway welcomes its first branch in SM Supermalls, Batangas, offering stacked, flavor-packed subs for Batangueños to enjoy. While at SM CDO Downtown, Barkadahan Grill opens its newest store, serving Filipino classics and time-tested comfort food.







Home to Clothing and Fitness Essentials

Everyday essentials for your first-time hobbies and elevated fashion statements are here at SM Supermalls. For our fashion-forward shoppers, Hechter Paris brings French high fashion to SM Seaside City Cebu, offering tailored, effortless clothing, headlining with the minimalist, contemporary styles of The Editor’s Market in SM MOA. For our more active go-getters, Juego delivers high-performance sportswear and athletic gear designs at SM City Fairview.




Home to Coffee and Frozen Treat Lovers


Coffee and dessert lovers will find new favorites with exciting openings across SM Supermalls. Tah-me Frozen Yogurt debuts at SM Seaside City Cebu, serving specialty yogurt known for its distinguished creamy and tangy fusion of flavors. Swirl Studio at SM City Fairview delights with customizable desserts, while Coffee Spot offers specialty brews made from premium-sourced beans, perfect for connoisseurs. For the first time in SM, Hoshino Coffee introduces its famous hand-dripped coffee and fluffy soufflé pancakes—straight from Japan to SM J Mall!




Home to Firsts Yet to Come

Zubaibai Seafood Restaurant, an exciting seafood destination, is set to make waves for the first time in SM Supermalls—coming soon to SM CDO Downtown! Nine Pot is set to bring its signature Taiwanese hot pot to SM City Clark, while ramen and sushi lovers can look forward to Yuki-Kun and Ramen Nagi, both opening their first-ever Cebu branches at SM J Mall. For dedicated café lovers, The Matcha Tokyo is coming to SM City Clark, serving authentic and high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha and matcha-infused desserts. Meanwhile, Salon de Thé, a refined café extension of French Baker, is set to open at SM J Mall, offering an elegant escape with a delightful serving of French patisserie. Beyond dining, SM Supermalls continues to introduce new activities to explore with iSwing Golf Arena—an indoor golf experience at SM J Mall.

With unlimited shopping destinations and endless first-time experiences to enjoy, SM Supermalls brings the world closer to you, making every visit fresh, exciting, and unforgettable. SM Supermalls—redefining what it means to experience the world for the first time as your ultimate home to many firsts!


Download the SM Malls Online App on the Apple App Store and Google Play for exclusive deals and promos.

Stay updated with the latest #HomeOfFirsts news and events by visiting www.smsupermalls.com and following @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.


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SM Supermalls #HomeOfFirsts 

At SM Supermalls, we take pride in being the Home of Firsts—bringing you the first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that inspire and connect communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and delivering memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and memorable waiting for you at SM.

ITALIAN ARTISTRY FROM APERITIVO TO DINING: Discover Osteria Antica, the First in the Philippines, at SM Podium


The glow of a wood-fired oven, the scent of slow-cooked sauces, and the comfort of a well-prepared meal—Osteria Antica brings bold Italian flavors to Podium Social at SM Podium. With its warm ambiance, the restaurant stays true to traditional recipes, using fresh, high-quality ingredients with a modern flair.

Whether it's a casual lunch or intimate dinner, Osteria Antica offers a refined yet comforting taste of Italy in the heart of the city.

 

The Art of Italian Dining

The Wildflour Hospitality Group brings in a new Italian dining concept with Osteria Antica that brings in the charm of traditional Italian osterias with a fresh take on Italian classics. 


With a Valoriani oven for perfectly baked pizzas and a curated selection of Italian wines and handcrafted cocktails, Osteria Antica stays true to tradition while adding a refined touch. Whether it’s a simple, flavorful pasta or a bold Italian classic, each plate delivers rich Italian flavors.


Signature Dishes That Define the Osteria Antica Experience

At Osteria Antica, each dish reflects bold Italian flavors and craftsmanship, from handmade pasta to expertly prepared mains.

The Endive Salad balances crisp textures and bright, citrusy notes, true to the light and vibrant flavors of Italy. 

The Rigatoni Carbonara is a comforting classic, made the traditional way with rich, savory depth. 

To end on a sweet note, the Mascarpone Cheesecake offers a creamy, delicate finish that captures the essence of Italian indulgence.

The restaurant also features Bar Antica, which offers a selection of wines, cocktails, and spirits that pair seamlessly with the menu. 

A New Culinary Destination at Podium Social

A seamless addition to SM Podium, Osteria Antica offers a fresh take on the classic Italian osteria. The restaurant blends tradition with modern touches, creating a space both welcoming and refined. Enjoy the flavors of Italy in an indoor setting adorned with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, leather seats, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, or on a charming veranda with a cityscape backdrop.

With its inviting atmosphere and commitment to personable service, Osteria Antica adds to the growing dining scene at Podium Social, a vibrant space on the 6th floor of SM Podium with the perfect ambiance for dining and socializing, offering a diverse mix of culinary experiences. As more restaurants open in the area, it continues to establish itself as the top spot for quality dining, offering a mix of familiar favorites and new flavors. This expansion highlights SM Supermalls’ commitment to bringing more dining options to Filipino diners in the heart of the city.

Discover the flavors of Italy at Osteria Antica, now open at Social Podium in SM Podium. For more exclusive dining experiences and first-to-market brands, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

Taste Korea’s Finest: Paldo’s Casual Fine Dining Arrives at SM Podium

Manila just got a taste of royalty with the arrival of Paldo, the first Korean fine dining restaurant in the Philippines, now open at SM Pod...